The medical profession's progress in treating many previously intractable conditions has been due in large part to advances in diagnostic imaging. Beginning in the late 19th century with X-rays, the field of radiology has grown to include newer technologies such as ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Radiologists and radiologic technologists use these high-tech machines to create and interpret images of living human bodies for diagnostic purposes.

Radiologists

Radiologists begin their careers as other physicians do, by completing an undergraduate pre-medical degree and then earning their doctorate from a medical or osteopathic college. After graduation, radiologists move on to a year's internship and four years' residency, practicing radiology under the supervision of experienced physicians. Some complete one or more additional fellowships, gaining experience in subspecialties such as pediatric radiology or vascular and interventional radiology. Radiologists primarily advise other physicians, using their expertise to interpret diagnostic images. Interventional radiologists go a step further, using radiologic equipment to guide miniature instruments through blood vessels and perform delicate repairs.

Radiologic Technologists

Although radiologists are trained to use the major types of radiological equipment, their time is better spent in diagnosis. In most cases, diagnostic images are captured by trained technicians and technologists. Each type of equipment represents its own discipline. For example radiographers generate X-ray images, computed tomography techs create three-dimensional CT scans and sonographers use ultrasound technology to image unborn infants, beating hearts and even blood moving through veins. Most of these technologists begin their careers with an associate degree, though techs currently practicing in one discipline can cross-train through certificate programs that typically require one year or less.

Income

Medical staffing firm Merritt Hawkins reports that in 2011, the average salary offer for radiologists was $402,000 per year. The study's overall range for radiologist salaries began at $225,000 per year, and reached as high as $450,000 per year. Pay for radiologic technologists varies by discipline. In its 2010 salary survey, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists reported an average income of $53,953 for radiographers. The corresponding average for CT technologists was $60,586, while sonographers earned an average of $68,821 per year. Experience and advancement also played a role. For example, staff radiographers averaged $49,633 per year, while senior radiographers earned $54,197 and managers or supervisors averaged $64,763. per year.

Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for physicians of all kinds will increase by 24 percent between 2010 and 2020, greater than the average for all occupations. Demand for radiologic technologists will increase by 28 percent over the same interval, thanks to trends within the healthcare profession. Smaller facilities such as physicians' offices and outpatient clinics are increasingly investing in radiologic equipment, providing services that once required a hospital visit. Radiology is also being used more widely for diagnostic purposes, since it is non-invasive and requires minimal disruption of the patient's daily routine.

About the Author

Fred Decker is a trained chef and certified food-safety trainer. Decker wrote for the Saint John, New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal, and has been published in Canada's Hospitality and Foodservice magazine. He's held positions selling computers, insurance and mutual funds, and was educated at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.